The young Winans invented (but seemingly didn't patent) a plow. He married Julia de Kay in 1820. They lived on the McKay farm, and he perfected his plough. They eventually had five children.

Ground was broken for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad on July 4, 1828. This was going to be where American railroading was perfected. Winans moved to Baltimore in 1830, and bought an interest in the Works where the B&O's engines were made. He brought his model railroad from New Jersey, and showed it to the right man: Charles Carroll. Winans was a very practical man, but not formally trained in engineering. He was an expert draughtsman and self-taught designer. He was also a shrewd businessman, and, unlike most engineers, made a fortune.

In addition to his contributions to locomotives and rolling stock, Mr. Winans designed and tested radical new ships, helped build and equip the Czar's St. Petersburg Railway in Russia, served as a water commissioner for Baltimore, wrote a series of religious tracts, built working class housing, ran a soup kitchen in West Baltimore, and even wrote a commentary on Longfellow.

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